[PHP] Problem retrieving $_POST values

[Jon Westcot]

Hi all:

    I'm having problems retrieving an array value that should be in a $_POST 
setting.  In fact, I'm having trouble with the code hanging with no warnings or 
errors whatsoever, so I've got no clue why it's not working.

    Working code:

    if(isset($_POST["mls"])) {
        if(strlen(trim($_POST["mls"])) > 0) {
            $query = "mls=" . $_POST["mls"];
        }
    }

    Non-working code:

    if(isset($_POST['city_arr'])) {
        // This space intentionally left blank.
    }

    The only thing I know that is different is that "mls" is a single value and 
that city_arr is an array.  I have tried expressing it as "city_arr[]" with no 
success.

    Does anyone have an example of how to reference the $_POST value when said 
value is an array?  I can't seem to find a sample of this anywhere in the 
manual.

    While I'm on the subject, how can I get a php page to tell me where a 
syntax error exists if one does instead of just giving me a blank page?  Is 
there some (free <g>) way to test a php script outside of a web page?

    Thanks!

        Jon